The Boys of '66 say farewell to Banks of England: Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Bobby and Jack Charlton lead mourners as thousands line the streets to honour World Cup 'superstar' Gordon Banks following his death aged 81

Thousands of people line streets of Stoke as the city paid its final respects to England's legendary goalkeeper

Former teammates and football icons gather at Stoke Minster after Banks' death at the age of 81 last month

Banks' coffin was carried into the minster by the current number one goalkeepers of three clubs he served

The service will also shown on a big screen at Stoke City's bet365 Stadium, where current players will gather

The Boys of '66 were among a star-studded cast of mourners today as thousands of people lined the streets of Stoke to pay their final respects to World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks.

Former England teammates including Sir Bobby Charlton, 81, his brother Jack, 83, and hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst, 77, gathered at Stoke Minster to attend the funeral of Banks following his death at the age of 81 last month.

In a touching tribute, Banks' coffin was carried into the minster by the current number one goalkeepers of all three clubs he served during his illustrious career.

Stoke City's Jack Butland was joined by Leicester's Kasper Schmeichel, Joe Anyon of Chesterfield and England stalwart Joe Hart in carrying out the honour in front of hundreds of mourners.

Sir Geoff was among those to speak during the emotional ceremony, with the former England striker describing his teammate as an 'ordinary guy' who flew through the air 'like Superman' when he made a save.

The service was also shown on a big screen at Stoke City's bet365 Stadium, where club captain Ryan Shawcross and teammates formed a guard of honour along with members of the club's 1972 side.

England's 1966 hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst (left) was among the mourners today as thousands of people lined the streets of Stoke today as the city paid its final respects to World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks

Banks helped Stoke win the 1972 League Cup but his career all but ended when he lost an eye in a car crash. The keeper was forced to sell his winner's medal and international cap from the final after losing is money in failed business ventures. He endured two bouts of kidney cancer and died in February. He is best remembered for his stunning save to keep out a towering header from Pele, the jewel in the crown of a Brazilian team full of riches. Banks makes his 'save of the century' from Pele's header in the 1970 World Cup - the pair would become best friends

Sheffield-born Banks made 510 league appearances for Chesterfield, Leicester and Stoke, but it was on the international stage that he established himself as a star, winning 73 senior caps

Football fans, one wearing a commemorative Gordon Banks shirt who attend the funeral of the former goalkeeper

Jack Charlton during the funeral at Stoke Minster, Stoke-upon-Trent

Retired Stoke City player Mike Pejic (right) is seen outside the church at the funeral of Gordon Banks

The service was also shown on a big screen at Stoke City's bet365 Stadium, where club captain Ryan Shawcross and teammates formed a guard of honour along with members of the club's 1972 side. A priest is pictured inside the church

In a touching tribute, Banks' coffin was carried into the minster by the current number one goalkeepers of all three clubs he served during his illustrious career. A priest is pictured inside the church

In a touching tribute, Banks' coffin was carried into the minster by the current number one goalkeepers of all three clubs he served during his illustrious career.

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (second from left) and England stalwart Joe Hart (middle) lead out mourners as they carry the coffin of Banks

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton arrives at the Stoke funeral to pay his respects to his predecessor Gordon Banks

Stoke City 's Jack Butland (left) was joined by Leicester's Kasper Schmeichel (right), Joe Anyon of Chesterfield and England stalwart Joe Hart (middle) in carrying Banks' coffin in front of hundreds of mourners

Speaking in front of a star-studded audience inside the minster, Sir Geoff said: 'After he died, there were some lovely photos of Gordon almost in a Superman pose. You couldn't see the goal in the shot and he was five foot off the ground.

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Sheffield-born Banks made 510 league appearances for Chesterfield, Leicester and Stoke, but it was on the international stage that he established himself as a star, winning 73 senior caps, most famously in the 4-2 World Cup final victory over West Germany in 1966.

However, he will probably be best remembered for his heroics in Mexico four years later when he made the breathtaking save which was to define his career when he somehow managed to turn Brazil star Pele's header over the crossbar.

Banks began his career with Chesterfield, was at Leicester when he won the World Cup in 1966 and was at Stoke when he won the last of his 73 caps for England in 1972.

In a touching tribute, Banks' coffin was carried into the minster by the current number one goalkeepers of all three clubs he served during his illustrious career

Burnley Goalkeeper Joe Hart (middle) and Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (right) arrive for the funeral service for Gordon Banks

Fans decked out in their Stoke City kits and scarves applauded as the procession made its way through the stadium today

The family of Gordon Banks arrive as the funeral cortege makes its way along the West Stand of Stoke City's Bet365 Stadium

Club staff line up to pay their final respects to the goalkeeping hero as fans clap the cortege into the stadium

Thousands of people lined the streets of Stoke as the city paid its final respects to England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks

Tributes are left at the Gordon Banks statue outside Stoke City's Bet365 Stadium today, as thousands gathered in the city to pay their gratitudes on his funeral day

Stoke City fans gather inside the Bet365 Stadium to watch their hero's funeral on the ground's big screen this afternoon

Football fans pay their respects in memory of Gordon Banks at the bet365 Stadium ahead of the former Stoke City and England goalkeeping legend's funeral

He died, aged 81, on February 12, after a long illness. He had battled cancer for many years and in recent months had been undergoing spells of chemotherapy.

Sandra Broome, aged 56, from Hartshill, is at the bet354 stadium: 'I managed to meet Gordon Banks at a game last year - I couldn't believe it! It is something I shan't forget as long as I live. He was lovely, a gentleman and very modest.

'I am a nurse at the Royal Stoke Hospital and have come straight from nights, I haven't been to bed yet. But I wanted to be here.

'The tribute at the ground today was absolutely amazing. It just shows how much the people of Stoke love Gordon Banks.'

Brian Pickard, aged 68, from Meir, who is outside the Minster said: 'It's a sad day and he was one of the best players I've ever seen in goal.

'I was at an opening with him once, I was the car park attendant and spoke to him afterwards for a good half hour.

'He will definitely be missed by the city. He went to other clubs but he was a Stoke man.'

Stoke City fans are pictured as they gather at a mass tribute to Gordon Banks outside the Potters' Bet265 Stadium today

The statue of Gordon Banks outside Stoke's stadium, which shows him lifting the Jules Rimet trophy into the air, is adorned with scarfs

What became of the Boys of '66? As football pays tribute to hero goalkeeper Gordon Banks, we reveal what happened to his World Cup-winning team-mates

English football is in mourning after the death of Gordon Banks, its greatest goalkeeper and foundation of the 1966 World Cup triumph.

Banks is the fourth member of the only Three Lions team ever to win the World Cup to pass away after the deaths of Alan Ball, Ray Wilson and Bobby Moore - as too has manager Alf Ramsey.

From becoming managers themselves, to becoming undertakers and insurance salesmen, this is what happened to all the players since their playing days ended almost 53 years since beating West Germany on that unforgettable day at Wembley.

How England lined up at Wembley in the World Cup final - England's greatest ever moment

Gordon Banks

(Goalkeeper)

Finest English keeper of all time, who played mostly for Leicester City and Stoke City as well as a spell in the United States.

His greatest moments were in an England shirt where he was part of the team that won the World Cup.

He went on to become a Stoke City legend, helping them to the 1972 league cup trophy, having played almost 200 times for The Potters.

Banks later pulled off the ‘save of the century’ from Pele’s header at the 1970 World Cup - but was laid low by food poisoning before their quarter final with biggest rivals West Germany and they crashed out.

He died on February 12 aged 81 after a battle with kidney cancer.

England's greatest goalkeeper Gordon Banks passed away at the age of 81 in February after a battle with kidney cancer

George Cohen

(Right back)

Hailed as ‘the greatest full back I ever played against’ by George Best, 79-year-old Cohen is still connected with Fulham, the only club he ever played for, and he has a statue outside Craven Cottage.

Cohen was forced to retire through injury aged 29, having amassed 459 appearances for the Craven Cottage club.

Like Banks, England right back Cohen also struggled with financial difficulties following his football career.

The Fulham defender battled cancer three times and was forced to sell his winner's medal, which his former club bought.

Cohen, whose nephew Ben won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, also lost his brother in a night club incident in 2000.

Cohen now raises money for dementia, which has affected some of his former team-mates, which some attribute to the impact of heading the then far heavier ball

He was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours in 2000.

George Cohen, here in action for Fulham (left), was England's right back in 1966. Fulham defender Cohen was forced to retire through injury aged 29, having amassed 459 appearances for the Craven Cottage club. Like Banks, England right back Cohen also struggled with financial difficulties following his football career. The Fulham defender battled cancer three times and was forced to sell his winner's medal, which his former club bought. Cohen, whose nephew Ben won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, also lost his brother in a night club incident in 2000. Cohen now raises money for dementia, which has affected some of his former team-mates, which some attribute to the impact of heading the then far heavier ball

Jack Charlton

(Centre half)

Brother of Sir Bobby and a star defender in his own right, he played only for Leeds United in his career.

Made 629 appearances for Leeds and collected 35 England caps, before turning attention to management.

After retiring from football he enjoyed a largely successful managerial career at a number of clubs before taking the Republic of Ireland to 1994 World Cup in the United States.

The team's success at the American tournament made him a hero in sports-mad Ireland. Against the odds, he led them to the Euros in 1988, the last eight of Italia 90 and then last 16 of the 1994 World Cup.

Charlton was appointed an OBE in 1974 and awarded honorary Irish citizenship in 1996, being made a freeman of the city of Dublin in 1994. He still lives in his native north east and remains close with his brother Sir Bobby.

Now 83, he is retired from his TV work and has appeared frail in recent public appearances.

The great Jack Charlton, celebrating in 1966 (left) and posing in a pub last year

Bobby Moore

(Centre half)

Peerless defender and captain of England considered the greatest ball-playing centre-half in history.

West Ham hero also played for Fulham at the end of his career and managed Southend United. He won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with, before leading England to World Cup glory in 1966.

Tragically died aged just 51 in 1993 due to bowel cancer. He was the first of the 1966 team to pass away. There is still great upset that he was never knighted.

The Bobby Moore Fund, formed by his wife Stephanie, has raised millions of pounds for research into the disease.

A statue outside the new Wembley commemorates England's greatest day and he remains the player against which all emerging English defenders are measured.

The poll, ran by Radio Times, gave voters the opportunity to pick any sportsman or sportswoman who has won the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award since its inception in 1954.

Bobby Moore holds the Jules Rimet Trophy aloft in English football's most iconic image. Arguably England's greatest ever defender (pictured in 1975) would be the first of the team to die

Ray Wilson

(Left back)

Huddersfield's most-capped England international became an undertaker after hanging up his boots.

Wilson made 266 League appearances for Huddersfield, and had been capped 30 times for England - a record for Huddersfield Town. He moved to Everton in 1964.

At 32, he was also the oldest member of the team that beat West Germany 4-2 in the final on July 30.

Injuries began to take their toll and he was granted a free transfer by Everton in 1969.

After a season at Oldham and another at Bradford City, he retired in 1971 following a brief spell as caretaker manager.

He died last May aged 83 after suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for 14 years.in 2012

Ray Wilson wears the World Cup on his head as he parades around Wembley in 1966. He died in May last year (right in 2017)

Nobby Stiles

(Defensive midfield)

His toothless dance after victory at Wembley has become iconic in English football, as were his ferocious midfield displays.

His friend and teammate Bobby Charlton called him a 'dog of war' who would chase down any cause on the football pitch.

The 76-year-old racked up 28 England caps - the least of any player in the 1966 team - and was a mainstay in the Manchester United starting 11, making 392 appearances before a move to Middlesbrough in 1971.

Won two league titles and the European Cup with Manchester United before helping bring through the likes of David Beckham and Gary Neville while a youth coach at the club between 1989 and 1993.

In 2012, he too developed Alzheimer’s and continues to battle with the disease. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013.

Nobby Stiles' toothless dance at Wembley after winning the World Cup is an iconic moment

Alan Ball

(Right midfield)

The young pup of the team but also the second to die, after Moore, aged just 61 following a heart attack in 2007.

Was man of the match in the 1966 final but sold his winners medal to provide for his family - like eight of the 11 players did.

Played for 13 clubs - including Blackpool, Everton and Arsenal - and made more than 800 club appearances and won 72 England caps.

Then transitioned into management, taking the reins at the likes of Portsmouth, Southampton and Manchester City, where his flat cap became an endearing trademark sight on the sidelines.

Proud Englishman famously had a picture of Sir Winston Churchill in his office wherever he worked.

In May 2005, Ball put his World Cup winners' medal and commemorative tournament cap up for auction to raise money for his family. They were sold for £140,000.

He looked after his cancer-stricken wife before her death in 2004.

Diminutive midfielder Alan Ball (left in 1966 and right in 2007) was the youngest player in the 1966 team but also tragically died young

Bobby Charlton

(Attacking midfield)

Younger brother to Jack, Sir Bobby survived the Munich Air Disaster before helping England to win first the World Cup and then Manchester United’s first European Cup in 1968.

With his majestic left foot and crucial 1966 goals, many have said he may be the greatest footballer England has ever produced.

His achievements have been recognised in a variety of ways. He was knighted in 1994, inducted into the football hall of fame in 2002, the South Stand at Old Trafford was renamed in his honour and a statue of Charlton alongside Red Devils team-mates Denis Law and George Best is situated just outside the stadium.

Racked up 106 England caps between 1958 and 1970 and was for decades England and Manchester United's leading goalscorer, before being overtaken by Wayne Rooney.

Now 81, Sir Bobby is still a director at Old Trafford, and also helps run a charity aiding land mine clearance.

Sir Bobby Charlton survived the Munich Air Disaster and went on to win the 1966 World Cup

Martin Peters

(Left midfield)

Scorer of the second goal in the final. The match with West Germany was even until Martin Peters put England ahead in the 78th, a lead it held until the last minute of normal time when Wolfgang Weber scrambled home an equalizer.

Peters was the only player to be carded in the 1966 final. He had a brief time in charge of Sheffield United after playing for West Ham - where he made more than 300 appearances - Tottenham and Norwich.

Started a second career in insurance in 1984 following 67 caps for the national team and spells with West Ham, Tottenham and Norwich.

Now aged 75 and retired, the grandfather-of-two is the third player in the team who suffers with Alzheimer’s.

His family say he struggles to remember the 1966 glory.

Geoff Hurst

(Centre forward)

Still the only player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final, Sir Geoff was part of an army of West Ham players who dominated the 1966 England team.

His goal to seal victory in the last minute of extra time is the greatest moment in English football history.

Sir Geoff took charge of Chelsea from 1979-81 and also worked in Kuwait. Was assistant coach to Ron Greenwood for England team between 1977 and 1982 before later working alongside Martin Peters in insurance.

Father-of-three, 74, went on to play for Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion and retired in 1976. He's hailed as a West Ham legend for scoring 180 goals for the East London club.

Now 77, former West Ham striker - who was knighted in 1998 - is retired and lives in Cheltenham with his wife, Judith.

Sir Geoff Hurst still remains the only player to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final

Roger Hunt

(Centre forward)

One of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, Hunt joined his family's haulage company after retiring from playing in 1972.

Made more than 400 appearances for the Anfield club, scoring 285 times to become Liverpool's top goalscorer before being overtaken by Ian Rush - although he remains the leading league scorer.

His club efforts earned him 34 caps for England and he received an MBE in 2000 - 34 years after his World Cup glory.

After being overlooked for years, he was made MBE along with Ball, Cohen, Stiles and Wilson in 2000 after a campaign to recognise their achievements in 1966.

Now lives in Warrington, aged 80.

Alf Ramsey

(Manager)

National hero and mastermind behind the team of ‘wingless wonders’, he predicted England would win the 1966 World Cup when he took the helm in 1963.

In 1967 he was knighted on the back of fulfilling his promise - but lost his job after failing to qualify for 1974 World Cup.

Retired in 1980 to a quiet life in Ipswich, Suffolk, where he had managed Ipswich Town to the English league title in 1961/62.

Embarked on a playing career after serving in the army during World War II. Played right back for Southampton and Tottenham.

Played for England 32 times between 1948 and 1953, captaining the side three times, scoring three times and appearing in the 1950 World Cup.

He died following a heart attack in 1999, aged 79, after battling Alzheimer's and prostate cancer.

Sir Alf Ramsey (left, holding a team talk with the 1966 squad) is the national treasure who masterminded the team who won the 1966 trophy. Right, pictured discussing the 1966 triumph in a 1974 TV programme